Making their mark

Posted November 6th, 2018, 10:32 AM IST

Printmaking as a craft, though highly technical, is one that leaves artists ample room to experiment with expression. Everything from the medium to the composition is open to interpretation. Currently on display at Gallery 78 are the works of five female artists in a group show titled Bonded by Work, each of them distinctly diverse in their exploration of the craft.

Walk into the room and the first things to grab your attention are the two huge woodcut prints by Champa. Talking about her impressive exhibits, the artist says, “One of them is based on Hanuman, and it’s part of a series titled Divine Phantoms, which contains visual representations based on verses of the Hanuman Chalisa. As a child, I remember frequently listening to the Chalisa in audio, and I’m sure it has left an impression on my beliefs, which have eventually been transformed into my work.”

Divine Phantoms: Artist Champa’s works are visual representations based on verses of the Hanuman Chalisa
Divine Phantoms: Artist Champa’s works are visual representations based on verses of the Hanuman Chalisa

Next, immediately distinguishable for their unique nature are the etching prints rendered by Nandini Goud. The works embedded with multiple images and portraits woven together in a seemingly random harmony are likely to spark an inner dialogue. Another set of works are based on still life rendered in a minimalistic manner. Sweeping and free-flowing lines define the contours and the artist refrains from distracting with details. The subdued, muted colour palette emanates a sense of calm, a quiet equilibrium.

personal touch: Madhumita Das’ works are the objects and people in her immediate surroundings
personal touch: Madhumita Das’ works are the objects and people in her immediate surroundings

Quite in contrast are the etching prints of Sonal Varshaneya, which are effervescent and iridescently hued. Based on a single female protagonist, the series touches on different aspects of her day to day life. “The central character in my compositions is depicted as being modern and traditional at the same time. Not based in a particular city or environment, the works broadly talk of any and every urban city in our country in contemporary times”, the artist explains.

Meanwhile, at the heart of Madhumita Das’ works are the objects and people in her immediate surroundings. Her etching prints are like excerpts from her diary, her three-year-old daughter featuring prominently in them endearing innocence and all.

Rajshree Nayak finds her inspiration in nature and excels in conveying her novel perspective of boundless realms. “The latent patterns and rhythms of nature can be perceived in the tiniest of organisms and the widest of landscapes. Each and every natural form is an exemplification of the universal energy,” she says.

But words are not enough to do justice to extraordinary creations of these women. We say, they’re worth seeing for yourself.